See our Israel Map for a much larger map with cities and attractions marked.

Israel and the West Bank

The country of Israel and the disputed Palestinian territory known as the West Bank together make up the much of the "Holy Land," a Middle East region that encompasses an astounding array of biblical sites, sacred sites, and pilgrimage destinations.

With earth that has been walked by Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus, the apostles, Baha'i saints, and the Prophet Muhammad (in a miraculous Night Journey), just to name a few, the Holy Land has been a sought-after destination for pilgrims from ancient times until today.

Despite the well-known conflict and tension in this part of the world, the holy and historical sites of Israel and the West Bank continue to attract hoards of pilgrims and interested visitors. It remains a surprisingly safe place to visit and, for many, a very meaningful one. In Jerusalem, Jews still pray at the Western Wall, Christians still visit the place where Jesus' body was laid in the tomb, and Muslims still worship at the ancient Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Whether you're a Jew, Christian, Muslim, Baha'i, or none of the above; an archaeology buff, a historian, a person intrigued by the sacred, or just a traveler (armchair or otherwise) interested in important and fascinating places, the Holy Land is well worth a visit.

Israel and the West Bank Country Guide

English Name:	Israel and the West Bank
Local Name:	Medinat Yisra'el (State of Israel)
Time Zone:	IST (UTC+2); Summer: IDT (UTC+3) (Israel)
Calling Code:	972 (Israel)
Currency:	Israeli Shekel (ILS or NIS)
Area:	Israel: 22,072 sq km West Bank: 5,860 sq km
Population:	Israel: 7,233,701 (July 2009 est.) West Bank: 2,461,267
Languages:	Hebrew, Arabic, English widely understood
Religions:	Israel: Jewish 76.4%, Muslim 16%, Arab Christians 1.7%, other Christian 0.4%, Druze 1.6%, unspecified 3.9% (2004) West Bank: Muslim 75% (predominantly Sunni), Jewish 17%, Christian and other 8%

	Israel Sacred Sites Index Browse our illustrated index of sacred sites and religious places
	Israel Map A detailed interactive map of Israel with major cities and religious sites marked, plus links to travel maps and more
	Israel Books A hand-selected gallery of books on Israel specially chosen for Sacred Destinations readers
	Israel Photo Gallery Explore our large collection of quality photos from Israel
	Israel Hotels Search availability, view photos, read reviews, and get a great deal on a hotel room in Israel

Featured Destinations in Israel and the West Bank (List All Destinations)

Al Aqsa Mosque

Jerusalem

This large mosque on the Temple Mount was originally built in 710 AD. It includes 11th-century mosaics, a 12th-century mihrab, and Crusader arches.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Jerusalem

This historic church shelters the holiest site in all Christendom: the tomb where Christ was buried and rose from the dead. It is shared by several denominations.

Dome of the Rock

Jerusalem

Built in the 7th century, this beautiful blue-and-gold shrine houses the rock from which the Prophet took his Night Journey into heaven. The rock is also associated with Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac.

Israel and the West Bank City Guides

Bethlehem
Located just five miles south of Jerusalem, Bethlehem is the childhood home of the biblical King David. It is also the birthplace of Jesus Christ and has been a major site of Christian pilgrimage since the construction of the Church of the Nativity in the 4th century AD.

Haifa
Haifa is a city in northwest Israel overlooking a bay on the Mediterranean Sea. The ancient city is home to Elijah's Cave and a major Baha'i Shrine.

Jerusalem
The holiest city in the world for Jews and Christians and third holiest city for Muslims, Jerusalem is a city of unparalleled religious heritage and spirituality.

Nazareth

Tabgha